The reinstated Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has told the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, that he has resumed work from home ‘to avoid any confrontation’, Saturday PUNCH has learned.

He also called on all his employees to resume their duties, adding that their salaries and entitlements would be paid in full.

He said: “I have resumed work, recalled all my staff and will work from home to avoid confrontations. I remain the deputy governor. All salaries and entitlements are paid,” he said in a statement on Friday, quoted by Saturday PUNCH.

Shaibu also stressed that he had nothing to do with the attack that took place in Benin on Thursday in which police inspector Akor Onuh was killed.

Shaibu stated this on Friday in reaction to the state government’s claim that he planned the attack that killed Onuh at the Benin airport exit.

The deputy governor told reporters on Friday that he was shocked by the attack, saying he had not called for protests in the past year to avoid confrontations with the state government and its agents.

He said: “They said I was the one who planned the attack but I came peacefully from Abuja to the state capital. Why did the armed thugs lay an ambush for me? Were they expecting a visitor?

“I have already filed a N5bn lawsuit against the governor, Nehikhare and Osagie for defamation. They will be summoned next week.

“I have resumed my work, recalled all my staff and will work from home to avoid confrontations. I remain the deputy governor. All salaries and entitlements will be paid,” he added.

The Edo State government accused Shaibu of orchestrating the violence that led to Akoh’s death.

This development followed a ruling by the Federal High Court re-recognising Shaibu, which the state government has appealed.

In a statement on Friday, Nehikhare stressed that Shaibu remained deposed pending the outcome of the appeal.

He stated: “The filing of a stay of execution in response to a court order means that the status quo remains in place. Therefore, Philip Shaibu remains indicted as Deputy Governor of Edo State until the Court of Appeal decides otherwise.”

Nehikhare accused Shaibu of mobilising armed criminals to create chaos in Benin City under the guise of celebrating his reinstatement.

He described the incident as a “blatant disregard for law and order”.

He further alleged that Shaibu ignored the warnings of the police chief and entered the city, causing widespread panic and destruction.

According to reports, the violence led to the destruction of property, injuries to civilians and security personnel and the death of Inspector Onuh Akoh.

Nehikhare condemned the incident and expressed his condolences to the Nigerian police and the family of the deceased officer.

Meanwhile, the Edo branch of the Peoples Democratic Party expressed shock at the violence and destruction.

PDP chairman Tony Aziegbemi criticised the APC for causing the chaos.

The Obaseki administration continued to maintain that Shaibu’s reinstatement was invalid pending the appeal, while Shaibu continued to maintain that he had the legal right to resume office.

Meanwhile, Shaibu on Friday reappointed Kingsley Ehigiamusoe as his chief of staff.

Shaibu also approved the reappointment of Musa Ebomhiana as Chief Press Secretary.

He also made seven other appointments.

Shaibu said in a statement from his CPS that the reappointments were effective immediately.